Flip flops can often seem like the ultimate convenient summer footwear, particularly if you need to get your little ones ready quickly so you can head out for the day. Unfortunately, flip flops might not be the best choice for your child. Below, we discuss the merits and drawbacks of flip flops to help you decide.
Although flip flops may seem as innocuous as any other type of footwear, it’s worth weighing their potential dangers against their benefits. After all, not all shoes are made equal.
So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of wearing flip flops?
It’s undeniable that on a hot summers’ day, there’s no better feeling than popping on a pair of light, airy shoes like flip flops en route to the park - or, if you are lucky enough to live near the coast like we do in Norfolk, on your way to the beach! When you’re in a rush, flip flops are convenient and easy to slip on and off - especially if your child hasn’t yet learned how to fasten their own shoes.
They also tend to be a cheap option for footwear, are suitable for dipping your toes in the sea, and are lightweight and compact to pack, making them an attractive option for taking away on holiday. As they’re so widely available, they can also be useful if you find yourself needing to unexpectedly buy a new pair of shoes for whatever reason while away. Finally, the open design of flip flops helps to keep the feet cool and prevents sweat accumulating, which allows skin to breathe and stay healthy.
After all that, flip flops might seem like the ideal summer shoe. However, the downsides to wearing flip flops often mean that they’re far from the best choice for your little one.
The first problem with letting your child run around in flip flops is the fact that they offer little to no protection at all, leaving your child’s foot exposed and vulnerable to sharp objects underneath, as well as sunburn and injuries from above. For example, if you were to drop a beach spade on your foot while wearing flip flops, there’d be nothing to shield your skin from the blow.
Because of this, it’s usually best to keep flip flops for chilling in the garden as opposed to day trips out where there is a much higher risk of accidents. This is especially important for toddlers and young children who haven’t developed controlled coordination. The flimsy material of flip flops poses a risk of tripping and could result in a painful sprained ankle or cut skin.
So, although a vibrant and fashionable pair of flip flops may seem like a perfect addition to your child’s summer outfits, they simply do not provide the protection necessary for your child’s fragile feet, especially when out exploring in nature or in playgrounds where there may be sharp stones, stray objects or sticks lurking in the undergrowth.
Another problem with flip flops is the minimal support they provide to the foot, which can have major implications for the growth and development of your child’s body. Flip flops provide no support at the heel, and this can lead to heel and arch pains after spending a short time wearing them.
Additionally, the lack of support in the shoe forces the toes to bunch up to keep the flip flop in place and stay balanced. This can become a subconscious effort, which can lead to a risk of impaired development and foot pain in the future. For any family outing where there will be a small amount of walking involved, it’s best to reach for a more supportive pair of footwear like sandals. Here’s why.
Sandals are a much better choice for summer days out. Sandals provide support to the heel, the arch of the foot and offer protection to the toes, whilst still providing plenty of healthy ventilation. With this assured stability, a child can run around freely with their healthy development protected. Our sandals collection has a wide and varied selection of styles and easy fuss-free fastenings, designed for little ones to help them find their confidence in these small steps towards independence.
Another reason sandals are a far better alternative to flip flops is down to their durability. A pair of Start-Rite sandals will last until a child outgrows them, whereas a pair of flip flops will only last until the upper rubber strand snaps, or the foam wears away.
Sandals can withstand all the best fun summertime activities, providing all the required support and protection and enabling little ones to run, skip, hop and jump as they inevitably will want to! So, although sandals do cost more, investing in a pair of sandals is immeasurably better for your child’s sense of freedom, confidence in their movement and healthy physical development.
Sandals are a perfect choice for days or evenings out, and for other summer alternatives take a look at our canvas collection which includes gorgeous bright colourways, hand-drawn designs and a sturdy, strong grip. They’re even machine washable. And of course, if you’re holidaying at home in the UK, it always makes sense to pack a pair of wellies, just in case!
Author: Vista, published 21-08-2024.
